The Lapwing (Vanellus Vanellus) as Belarus Bird 2006.

On April 18, 2006 Belarus Post issued the stamp “Lapwing” from the series “A bird of the year”.The stamps are issued with the assistance of the organization Protection of Homeland Birds.

The Lapwing is one of the most well known sandpipers in Belarus.The Protection of Homeland Birds fund  declared the lapwing as a bird of the year 2006.

The Lapwing or The Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), also known as the Peewit, Green Plover , is a bird in the plover family. It is common through temperate Eurasia. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, northern India, Pakistan, and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in westernmost areas of Europe are resident.

The Lapwing is a 28–31 cm long bird with a 67–72 cm wingspan. It has rounded wings and a crest. It is the shortest-legged of the lapwings. It is mainly black and white, but the back is tinted green. Females and young birds have narrower wings, and have less strongly-marked heads, but plumages are otherwise quite similar.

Lapwings hibernate in France. They usually come flying to Belarus at the end of February. The female lapwing looks like the male in colour; they are dutiful in the process of incubation and are very protective; vigilant and ready to tackle any predators. Lapwings are birds that nest in open dry countryside and in fallow lands. The clutch has always four eggs. 3–4 eggs are laid in a ground scrape. The nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. Lapwings begin to migrate for hibernation from the end of May until October. About 100.000 pairs usually build their nests in Belarus. The population of lapwings decreases almost in all countries of Europe.

This sheet-let comprised of seven stamps with background of the nature. The stamp has printed the logo of Birdlife International and logo of the Protection of Homeland Birds.

Another issued is FDC ( First day cover) depicted the eggs and young bird.